by Gina Scarpa, Allison L. Nowacki and Bryan J. Polk

Orchid Paulmeier started out this season of Next Food Network Star strong, as a frontrunner. A few episodes in though, the drama and pressure of the competition started to get the best of her. On this week's episode, the panel shocked contestants and fans of the show when they eliminated her from the show. Today, we caught up with Orchid in an exclusive interview to find out what went wrong on Food Network Star and what's in her future.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When did you first start cooking and what made you want to be a television host?
A. Orchid: I started cooking very young. We used to have bake sales in third grade and then ventured into a melted ham and cheese stand by fifth grade. I started to become a Food Network addict in the late 90s (ions ago) and just kept watching thinking, "I could totally do that!"

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was being on the show what you expected going into it?
A. Orchid: The challenges were as difficult as expected. The drama was not all what I expected, or how it would affect me.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Early on, you seemed like a frontrunner. What do you think went wrong?
A. Orchid: I was named a frontrunner - it's the curse! I started out way ahead of the others and had nowhere else to go. Being away from my friends and family definitely affected me. I didn't have the support system to talk to and recharge my battery from all of the drama behind the scenes.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which challenge was the toughest for you?
A. Orchid: Fourth of July episode with Guy. I was completely homesick and at the bottom of my game.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When were you up against Mary Beth and Whitney for elimination this week, did you think it was going to be you?
A. Orchid: Once they said Penny and Chris were safe, I knew that was it for me. I don't know if it would have mattered who I was up against. I don't think this was my show to win and that was ok. I knew drama may have taken its toll and I was glad not to be a part of it.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Now that you're out of the competition, is there anyone that you're rooting for to win?
A. Orchid: I think Jeff and Vic have a very good chance.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How is everything at your restaurant?
A. Orchid: Business at One Hot Mama's has boomed! Even locals and regulars are enjoying all the craziness. It has really made Hilton Head Island proud and maybe even put us a little more on the foodie map. We have launched some BBQ sauces also, and are hoping to keep expanding with more sauces.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's next for you?
A. Orchid: BIG things! I am going to keep going with this momentum and grow One Hot Mama's and, of course, knocking on any Food Network doors I can. I am determined to get my own show and keep working for Food Network!

Food Network Star airs Sundays at 9/8c on Food Network.

(Image courtesy of Food Network)

Follow Gina @ginascarpa and "Like" her on Facebook! Catch more of Allison and Bryan on their podcast at NotMakeFriends.com.